Myrna M. Milani - The Body Language and Emotion of Dogs: A Practical Guide to the Physical and Behavioral Displays Owners and Dogs Exchange and How to Use Them to Create a Lasting Bond

Myrna M. Milani, D.V.M.

to Mom and Dad with

love and

thanks for the first dog that

changed my life

THE BODY LANGUAGE AND EMOTION OF DOGS. Copyright 1986 by Myrna M. Milani

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Milani, Myrna M.

The body language and emotion of dogs.

1. DogsBehavior. 2. Dog ownersPsychology. 3. Nonverbal communication (Psychology) 4. Emotions.

I. Title.

SF433.M55 1988 636.7 86-8449

ISBN 0-688-12841-6

EPub Edition SEPTEMBER 2011 ISBN: 9780062127327

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The Body Language and Emotion of Cats

The following contributed to this book on many different levels and made it a particularly satisfying and cherished endeavor:

Michael Snell, whose support and helpful criticism throughout the evolution and realization of this book was invaluable

Job Michael Evans, whose unique and extensive insights into training expanded my own views tremendously

Brian Smith, whose special bond with our dogs, so different from my own yet no less strong, first made me aware of the infinite forms love and caring can take

Nylon, Dacron, Spike, Dufie, Troubles, Tiffany, Cider, Chewie, Kelly, Sage, Max, Billy William III, and all the other incredible canines who share and shared so much

DURING THE FIRST TEN YEARS I devoted my energies to the practice of small-animal medicine, I acquired tremendous respect for the critical role body language and emotion play in the relationship between owner and dog. The most thorough diagnostic work-up using the most sophisticated equipment and leading to the most effective cure has no meaning if the owner is afraid to medicate his or her own dog. All that technology becomes an albatross around the neck of the terminally ill pet whose owners refuse to let it die because We love him too much. And surely every practitioner has been pressured by the guilt-ridden owner to instantly repair a puppys leg, broken in a fit of rage and impatience when the spiteful pup was flung against the wall because it soiled the rug again.

Initially I began my observations strictly for my own enlightenment. I wanted to know why sure-fire medical and/or training regimes didnt work for certain owners and dogs. Why did Ms. Corcoran still allow Hornsby to intimidate her even though theyd been through obedience classes twice? Didnt the Aubuchons realize there were other ways to express love for Misty besides feeding her those rich treats that were wreaking havoc with her digestive tract? How can we ever hope to break this wretched cycle of destruction, punishment, and guilt if John Hascome insists its mean to den Pumpkin, regardless how hatefully she behaves when left alone?

As I endeavored to answer these questions for myself, I realized that some of the knowledge about dogs that I took for granted wasnt common knowledge at all. Basic behavioral concepts, such as the social nature of dogs, dominance, submission, isolation behavior, territoriality, fear, and aggression, that govern every move our dogs make were unknown to even the most concerned owners. When I had time to share this information, owners were invariably pleased and appreciative: You mean hes not messing in my bedroom because he hates me? shouted one client in obvious delight after Id explained the nuances of territorial marking. My God, thats wonderful! Im so relieved.

Unfortunately, many times immediate medical or behavioral problems require the veterinarian or trainer to do something right away, leaving little time for detailed discussions of the kind that appear in the following pages. However, the objective, unemotional meaning of body-language displays, the emotional motivation we assign them, and our subsequent response is what dog ownership is all about. If we believe our dogs spiteful, impatient, or unhappy, and irreversibly so, well have spiteful, impatient, unhappy dogsand everything we do together with our dogs will reflect those beliefs.

A client once asked me why another clients pets were always so cheerful, patient, and well-behaved whereas her own, even if from the same litter, were invariably unhappy, spiteful, and ill-behaved. Rather than give that answer now, lets work it out together.

While all owners have lists of emotions that affect their unique relationships with their pets, Ive chosen to discuss those that create the most common, and often the worst, problems for both owner and pet. However, this is more than a guide to problem solving. Its an exploration of the dogs exquisitely evolved natural behavioral displays and how they complement and undermine its relationships with humankind. And its a study of the powerful role human emotions play as we seek to bond with the only species that trusts us and wants to be with us enough to get so close.

BOB KALISH HAD JUST whistled for his sheepdog, Shaggy, to terminate their romp in the park when a group of picnickers asked for directions. As Bob stood talking with the group, a gray and white blur shot out of the dense undergrowth and barreled down on them like a cannonball.

Excuse me, said Bob, stepping apart from the group. As the others watched in horror and then amazement, the four-legged projectile hit Bob full force and knocked him to the ground. Owner and dog rolled over and over with much laughter and licking.

Thats some dog you have there, observed one of the picnickers.

Oh, hes a lover, agreed Bob, rubbing Shaggys ears fondly.

You mean a killer, muttered a fearful woman at the back of the group who tightly clutched the hands of two children straining to get closer to the dog. Hed better keep that dog on a leash or Ill report him to the park ranger!

The Espositos took great pride in their devoted Doberman, Madd Max, because he defended their property so heroically. After watching Max romp with the rottweiler next door, little Joey invented a new game to play with his dog: He would hide behind the couch, wait for Max to walk by, then growl ferociously, lunge at the dog, and try to pin him to the floor. The first time Joey tried his new game, Max whipped around and lashed out at the child, who toppled backward. Screaming, Joey clutched the side of his face.

Max is vicious; I want him destroyed, Rose Esposito insisted when she brought Joey home from the emergency room.

No, Mommy! It was my fault. I scared him, sobbed Joey. Please dont kill my dog!

Al Esposito looked at the fourteen stitches in his sons swollen and bruised face. Then he looked at Max lying at Joeys feet and staring at the boy with that familiar look of undying devotion.

Every time the Bennetts doorbell rings, their springer spaniel, Photon, performs a dancing, barking ritual that led one guest to describe her aptly as a mindless yapping cyclone.